Quentin Tarantino Pulled A Brett Ratner, Caught Using Gay Slur
Posted on Nov 12, 2011 @ 06:03PM - 5 comments Read more
Inglourious Basterds Star Eli Roth Blasts SeaWorld After Whale Attack
Posted on Mar 22, 2010 @ 12:05PM - 10 comments
Hollywood has now jumped into the controversy surrounding the February incident in which a SeaWorld trainer was violently killed by an orca whale. RadarOnline.com has obtained the letter fired off by Inglourious Basterds star Eli Roth to the theme park's owners.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Whale Advocate Blames Sea World For Trainer's Death
"All the violence and suffering in my films is pretend - no one is hurt, ever. Sadly, the same is not true at SeaWorld, which targets their entertainment at families and children," Roth wrote. "You are sending a far more dangerous message to kids, whose lives would be just as happy and fulfilled without seeing a large intelligent creature jump around to music for their entertainment, and would probably take a more active interest in protecting whales if they saw them out in the ocean where they belong."
VIDEO: Witness Describes Whale Attack; Whale Killed 2 In Past
Killed SeaWorld Trainer Believed in Trust Relationship with Whales
Roth's full letter to Hamilton James, CEO of The Blackstone Group (which owns SeaWorld), is as follows:
Hamilton James
President and COO
The Blackstone Group
Dear Mr. James:
I am writing on behalf of my friends at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). As you may know, PETA is the world's largest animal rights organization, with more than 2 million members and supporters around the world.
I feel that I speak for many people when I say that while I was deeply saddened and upset by the tragic death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau, I was equally appalled and horrified by the conditions in which SeaWorld keeps its orcas (and other marine life) for the sole purpose of entertaining humans. As someone who works in the entertainment business, I can assure you that there are many humane alternatives available to introduce the public to orcas without having to hold them in captivity for a lifetime against their will. CGI technology, animatronics, and other state-of-the-art virtual reality exhibits could be used in place of the current live-animal shows to provide park visitors with an exciting, educational experience. In fact, showing visitors a more realistic version of what life is like for real marine mammals rather than displaying the captive animals' unnatural and repetitive behavior patterns‹which are linked to their oppressive environment‹is actually more educational, with no risk to human life. Having grown up in Massachusetts, I often went whale watching and cannot stress the impact on me of seeing whales in their natural environment, not cooped up in a tank performing mundane tricks.
The death of a SeaWorld trainer did not have to happen, and I urge you now to please take action so that it does not happen again. Would you please consider moving your captive orcas and other marine mammals to transitional coastal and wildlife sanctuaries now? Not only is it the humane thing to do, it may well also become, in the long run, the most cost-effective thing to do as public sentiment moves away from watching captive animals perform stunts for human amusement.
As you know, Keiko, the orca who starred in the 1993 movie Free Willy, was returned to his native waters in Iceland in September 1998 after many years of captivity in a facility in Mexico City. Keiko spent the last five years of his life in relative freedom, during which he swam from Iceland to Norway, successfully navigating more than 1,000 kilometers of open ocean. Tilikum deserves the same opportunity, and the wildlife experts who worked on Keiko's rehabilitation can and should be called upon to do the same for Tilikum. I have heard people say that Tilikum would die in the wild, but in truth many of us would rather see his life end in the freedom of the wild ocean, rather than spend the rest of his life trapped in a tank being forced to perform humiliating tasks.
Last month's incident, as you know, was not the first time that a trainer has been seized, thrown against the walls of the tank, and held underwater by a frustrated orca. It was far more horrific than anything I ever dreamed up in my horror films. All the violence and suffering in my films is pretend - no one is hurt, ever. Sadly, the same is not true at SeaWorld, which targets their entertainment at families and children. You are sending a far more dangerous message to kids, whose lives would be just as happy and fulfilled without seeing a large intelligent creature jump around to music for their entertainment, and would probably take a more active interest in protecting whales if they saw them out in the ocean where they belong.
I very respectfully urge the Blackstone Group to immediately proceed with a plan to release the marine mammals at SeaWorld theme parks to sanctuaries that can provide them with a more natural environment.
On behalf of everyone who wants to see whales and dolphins living free in their ocean homes, I thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Eli Roth
VIDEO: Roger Ebert Speaks For The First Time in 4 Years, Thanks To A Computer
Posted on Mar 02, 2010 @ 05:03PM - 2 comments
The world’s most famous movie critic, Roger Ebert, is speaking for the first time through a computer since he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and left with a disfigured face, RadarOnline.com has confirmed.
Ebert, who lost his voice, and ability to eat and drink four years ago, appeared on The Oprah Show to a standing ovation.
Oprah Winfrey asked the smiling Ebert how he felt. Ebert then typed in his answer on a computer and a computer voice read out his response: “Terrific!”
Oprah then asked if he remembered his last words. The ever joking Ebert said through the computer “No I don’t because I didn’t realize at the time they were going to be my last words. I probably spoke them to Chaz (his wife) then as they wheeled me to the operating room. They probably were ‘I love you.’” But, he continued, “on the other hand, they may have been ‘Good morning doctor’.”
VIDEO: Jessica Simpson Tells Oprah What She Thinks About John Mayer
Roger has his meals in private through an intravenous tube four times a day, but he still has a vivid memory of being a kid and drinking A&W Root Beer. His brother-in-law says “when the Lord took away your ability to drink, he gave you that memory.”
Roger goes to two to four movie screenings a day and writes for 200 newspapers. So his voice is still heard around the world.
He tells Oprah that he talks in his dreams. “I’m talking all the time that’s just like it was in life. You can never shut me up,” he said through the computer.
But what would an interview with Roger Ebert be like without seeing his Oscar Predictions:
Best Supporting Actress Mo’Nique, Precious
Best Supporting Actor Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds
Best Actress Sandra Bullock, Blind Side
Best Actor Jeff Bridges Crazy Heart
Best Director Kathryrn Bigelow
Best Picture The Hurt Locker
Academy Awards Offer Plenty of Man Candy
Roger, who is now cancer free, plans on attending the Oscars. And, while he reports on a appearence obsessed industry, Ebert says he will not have any reconstructive surgery on his face.
In a powerful statement he says “nobody looks perfect, we have to find peace with the way we look and get on with life.”
VIDEO: Snooki's Oscar-Winning Performance
Posted on Mar 02, 2010 @ 04:45PM - 3 comments
Everyone’s favorite guidette Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is showing Brad Pitt how it’s done, RadarOnline.com has learned.
PHOTOS: The Cast Of Jersey Shore At Lopez Tonight
It’s all part of a week-long spoof /tribute to the Oscars compliments of the Jersey Shore cast and TBS’ Lopez Tonight.
VIDEO: Jersey Shore guys Spoof Oscar Hopeful
On Tuesday night, Snooki, Jenni J-WOWW Farley, Sammi Sweetheart Giancola, Vinny Guadagnino, Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino and DJ Pauly D play some Inglourious Basterds. Snooki, as RadarOnline.com first reported, plays the role of Brad Pitt.
EXCLUSIVE DETAILS: Roof Falls Down on Jersey Shore Cast
A preview clip suggests that the next season of the MTV hit will be in South Beach, Florida, and as Snooki says “Some might even think that we’re Cuban. Why, because we’re tan, we’re stylish, and our English sounds a little funny.”
The George Lopez late night talk show airs at 11 p.m. on TBS.
PHOTO: Jersey Shore's Ronnie And Pauly D Get Drafted to Spoof "Hurt Locker"
Posted on Feb 26, 2010 @ 03:30PM - Add a comment
DJ Pauly D and Ronnie Magro from the MTV hit Jersey Shore are suited up for a parody on Hurt Locker that airs Monday Night on Lopez Tonight.
PHOTOS: Oscar Movie Spoofs: Snooki Plays Brad Pitt
As RadarOnline.com first reported, reality stars from Jersey Shore flew into LA to spoof Oscar's top movies for the TBS late night talk show hosted by comedian George Lopez.
Uproar Over Snooki's College Visit Reignites
Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, Vinny Guadagnino, DJ Pauly D, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, Ronnie Magro, Sammi Sweetheart and J-WOWW Farley showed off their acting skills re-enacting a few Oscar nominated films.
When they spoofed Inglourious Basterds, Snooki played Brad Pitt's role.
On Friday the show released a new photo showing Ronnie and Pauly D in military garb for the Kathryn Bigelow blockbuster.
PHOTOS: J-Woww In Sexy Lingerie
And that's not all: Watch for the Jersey Shore crew to turn blue for Avatar, and spoof George Clooney in Up In The Air. Who will play Sandra Bullock in Blind Side and Monique in Precious? We'll find out next week at 11 PM on TBS.
2010 Oscar Nominations
Posted on Feb 02, 2010 @ 09:37AM - Add a comment
Photos of the 2010 Oscar nominees and the rolls that got them noticed.
Brad And Angelina End Breakup Rumors With Awards Outing
Posted on Jan 31, 2010 @ 12:15PM - 32 comments
Putting break up rumors to rest, for now, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie attended the Directors Guild of America Awards together at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles last night.
PHOTOS: Brangelina still strong at Directors Guild Of America Awards
Pitt, who was invited to present an award to his Inglourious Basterds director Quentin Tarantino, sprung a surprise when he walked in with Jolie.
PHOTOS: Brad & Mad Take On Manhattan
And as if to make a statement, Brad played the doting husband throughout the evening as the couple mingled with the guests, exchanged laughter, cuddled and even gently caressed each other!
Brad Pitt Expands Loz Feliz Love Nest
Posted on Jan 19, 2010 @ 05:39PM - 6 comments
Superstar Brad Pitt has expanded his Loz Feliz estate by splashing out $1.1 million on a home that his sprawling compound neighbors.
Brad Pitt & Son Maddox Cheer On New Orleans Saints
The Inglourious Basterds star bought the 3,232-square-foot, 1920’s key-shaped home in the gated Oaks area.
PHOTOS: Angelina Takes Her Girls Out Food Shopping
The two bedroom, two bath house house sits a 0.25 acre lot and boasts a stone fireplace, a huge main room, a bonus room, plus a bar area and a secret cave.
Photos of Brangelina's New Addition
PHOTOS: Brad Takes The Kids To See Mom On Set
The property was first listed in 2008 for $2 million before being reduced to $1.495 million. The savvy star knocked an additional $400,000 off of the asking price and bought the home from the estate of the late Anne Tyler Sherman through his Mondo Bongo Trust. Pitt sealed the deal in August.
PHOTOS: Brad & Mad Take On Manhattan
Other properties on the Pitt compound include a five bedroom, 5,760-square-foot main Craftsman-style house, an adjoining 1,653-square- foot house, a 1,307-square-foot strip of vacant land, and a 1,534-square-foot house.
Style Sirens Of 2009: Diane Kruger
Posted on Dec 25, 2009 @ 01:29PM - Add a comment
Diane Kruger established herself as an A-list actress and one of the most beautiful women in the world when she gracefully portrayed the iconic Helen in the blockbuster film Troy. The former model, whose timeless good looks and effortless beauty radiates from red carpet to red carpet, manages to tackle the trends with an ease and comfort as if she started them.
PHOTOS: Style Sirens Of 2009: Diane Kruger
Diane, who often keeps it classic wearing designers such as Chanel and Marchesa, also has a fun and flirty side, with brightly hued asymmetrical numbers from Jason Wu or Urban Outfitter's brand Kimichi Blue.
PHOTOS: Style Sirens Of 2009: Blake Lively
While promoting the Oscar contending flick Inglourious Basterds, Diane stole the spotlight from even Angelina Jolie!
PHOTOS: Style Sirens Of 2009: Zoe Saldana
What is so special about Diane's style? Check out the gallery to find out!
DVD Review: Inglourious Basterds
Posted on Dec 17, 2009 @ 03:01PM - 1 comment
Last spring, Inglourious Basterds arrived at Cannes with all the fiery hype that a big, bold Quentin Tarantino film typically ignites. This time, though, the hype was mixed with trepidation: Could he manage to have fun with World War II without making fun of it?
Why Tarantino took on the project, and what his perspective was on tackling such difficult subject matter is illuminated in Basterds’s DVD edition, which hit streets this week. The two-disc package offers some standard extras, like behind-the-scenes footage and extended scenes. But it also gives us a glimpse of what Tarantino thinks of his own opus. His in-depth interview with KCRW host Elvis Mitchell, who spoke with him and Brad Pitt about the film, reveals his views on the war, and why he wanted to let audiences to laugh about it. Mitchell’s interview also discusses the story behind Basterds’s multiple languages, how Pitt grew into his role as Lt. Aldo Raine, and what it’s like to be directed by Tarantino (hint: The set is church, and Tarantino is God).
The DVD also offers little glimpses of the director as a person, like how twitchy and excited he becomes when he talks movies, and how he seems to direct Brad Pitt even during interviews. Another extra segment features a montage of Tarantino’s video postcards from Basterds’s sets to his longtime editor, Sally Menke. Sure, they’re goofy, but they also display a sentimental side of the director that’s often -- admirably -- missing from his movies.
Basterds is largely Tarantino’s imaginary vision of how the war could have ended, but it encompasses much more. The story begins in the idyllic French countryside, where the movie’s baddie, Col. Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz) finds and kills a Jewish family in hiding. Only their daughter Sosanna (Mélanie Laurent) escapes, sprinting away across the fields. There’s also the titular “Basterds,” a group of elite, American-Jewish soldiers led by Lt. Raine, a Southern-born commander with a penchant for collecting Nazi scalps.
Several years after her family’s massacre, Sosanna inadvertently crosses paths with the rag-tag group in Paris, when her movie theater becomes the premiere site for Joseph Goebbels’s (Sylvester Groth) latest piece of cinematic propaganda. She and the Basterds devise separate plans to take down the Nazis in attendance -- but not without some curveballs. Landa does some side-room strangulation, while Goebbels’s egotistical movie star throws a wrench in Sosanna’s arrangements. In Tarantino’s version of the war, absurdity skewers bad guys more brutally than machine guns.
Despite the heavy subject matter, there’s still room for self-conscious fun, glamour and elegant cinematography -- which is part of what makes Basterds such a masterpiece, in the essential, unpretentious sense of the word. Tarantino’s shots of the exquisite Laurent are lingering and patient, lavishing attention with long takes and a thunderous ballad. His script is ridiculous in parts -- but never self-indulgent. And his ability to bring his own sensibility to one of the most devastating moments in recent history -- and pull it off -- is what make Inglourious Basterds gripping and victorious.
